Wish I could give the 1/2 star again. This would be 4 1/2 star - the artwork is amazing and the story evolves the characters bringing in the beginningWish I could give the 1/2 star again. This would be 4 1/2 star - the artwork is amazing and the story evolves the characters bringing in the beginnings of how Fray ends up where she is (cryptic for those who do not know Fray)....more

The title does a disservice to the contents of this fascinating read. Investigations of multiple cultures across continents and the timeline of humaniThe title does a disservice to the contents of this fascinating read. Investigations of multiple cultures across continents and the timeline of humanity (neolithic to present) how knowledge is kept in non-literate communities. ...more

**spoiler alert** Yes, I've persisted out of a sense of curiosity. It took me nearly 400 pages before I had my way of describing what these have becom**spoiler alert** Yes, I've persisted out of a sense of curiosity. It took me nearly 400 pages before I had my way of describing what these have become. It's not a bad thing, they are what they are. It is the word/book equivalent of watching a soap opera "The Bold and the Beautiful or Days of Our Lives" (with a heat level). When I had that realisation rather than see it for a paranormal romance or urban fantasy, it fit better as a description. ...more

One of these years I will learn to not read Anne Gracie as a night-bedtime read. I thought I was strong enough but the second night another 2am finishOne of these years I will learn to not read Anne Gracie as a night-bedtime read. I thought I was strong enough but the second night another 2am finish because "just one more section/chapter". Really enjoyed this one (and did so accidentally out of order for some reason). Looking forward to the next Chance sister's story....more

This is the first book in a very long time I very nearly DNF. It was put down, other books read and then picked back up (due to a stubborn streak).

BetThis is the first book in a very long time I very nearly DNF. It was put down, other books read and then picked back up (due to a stubborn streak).

Betsy has always been a shallow, vapid, ditzy, superficial character. From the outset. Which I enjoyed as a "popcorn read" (like popcorn movies where you forget what you just indulged in as soon as you walked out of cinema/put down book).

But this book, as has been said in quite a few reviews before me, have pointed out that as a reader one starts wondering if anything is going to happen. It does, but so far to the end and almost hidden it's almost like an Easter egg. Which is not what you want to say about major arc plot developments.

I've persisted with this series out of a curiosity to see if it's going anywhere. There is movement on a grander scheme but trying to find it has become a job of work....more

I've oscillated with this one. It's a 2 1/2 stars. I'm going down not up for this as it was a job of work to start reading this one. As can be seen byI've oscillated with this one. It's a 2 1/2 stars. I'm going down not up for this as it was a job of work to start reading this one. As can be seen by it's in my stop-start shelf (usually very busy or library borrowing turnaround or like this one, hard to get into but stubborn me determined to read through).

(view spoiler)[ The first few hundred pages could've been pulled down to at least half of what was detailed forms of abuse and still pull the emotional punch required. The fact that 2/3's of the way through the book has a single page with "11,000+ years later as a showing of time" to bring the story into the "mainstream" Dark Hunter timeline (of the hunters, not Acheron) is indicative of the story as whole.

For me, the last quarter of the story showed what the author is best known for doing with her multiple characters, timelines and criss-crossing relationships. Shame it took wading (and, at times it was painful wading) so much to get there. (hide spoiler)]...more

**spoiler alert** After a five year hiatus was curious to see where this series would go. Short version, not far, if anywhere. One of those cases my s**spoiler alert** After a five year hiatus was curious to see where this series would go. Short version, not far, if anywhere. One of those cases my stubbornness to see if any improvement would happen forced me to spend a day reading.A really good, strong structural and line edit could have turned this story into a strong novella to show Merry and her men with the babies. However, so much repetitious description of the same traits (eg hair, skin, name of one of babies) or actions (moving to/from one another, actions of babies) of all the characters meant the scarce story development was lost in frustration. So much potential lost....more

**spoiler alert** 1.5 stars as I didn't hate it but was unaware this was a second 'series' to this story (hints throughout saying look back at #XYZ fo**spoiler alert** 1.5 stars as I didn't hate it but was unaware this was a second 'series' to this story (hints throughout saying look back at #XYZ for backstory/details). Plays with the tropes and characters but without the other part of the backgrounds comes across as messy (not in a horror/play with time way)....more

If I could I'd go with 4 1/2 stars. I really enjoyed the theme hope after the apocalypse. Led to intriguing stories. Overall a lot of strong stories tIf I could I'd go with 4 1/2 stars. I really enjoyed the theme hope after the apocalypse. Led to intriguing stories. Overall a lot of strong stories that linger with the reader after the book is closed. Favourites in no particular order: A Memory Trapped in Light (Jo Anderton), What Books Survive (Tansy Rayner Roberts),Fireflies (Steve Cameron) and The Fletcher Test (Dirk Flinthart)....more

Over the years, I've tried and never quite been able to get into Kushiel, though I have heaps of friends who adore the entire series.

Decided to try thOver the years, I've tried and never quite been able to get into Kushiel, though I have heaps of friends who adore the entire series.

Decided to try this as the worldbuilding and use of the usual stable of UF characters, had the different angle of also incorporating other realms and creatures, not quite as fully depicted. Will be trying the next in the series....more

**spoiler alert** Marian Keyes is one of the few authors I call a favourite and will hunt her books down as soon as I know they are coming. Had been l**spoiler alert** Marian Keyes is one of the few authors I call a favourite and will hunt her books down as soon as I know they are coming. Had been looking forward to this book & was not disappointed. Descriptions of Helen's mental state were so honest and captured the sensations beautifully by Marian's words. The mystery of the story was kept going until the reveal occurs (rare for me). ...more

I gave the book 3 stars saying it may have been overhyped to me. Reading this manga version I was much more into it and enjoyed the story much more. WI gave the book 3 stars saying it may have been overhyped to me. Reading this manga version I was much more into it and enjoyed the story much more. Will investigate both the manga and book version of the next title in the series....more

I was very much looking forward to reading Shadow Kin & had been holding onto it as a reward book. I wasn't disappointed and look forward to BookI was very much looking forward to reading Shadow Kin & had been holding onto it as a reward book. I wasn't disappointed and look forward to Book 2.

I loved the world building that came through seamlessly as Lily and Simon told the story. The story was interesting all the way to the end and I ended up doing the sign of a very good book - I stayed up until I finished it (1.30am) to see what happened to both Lily and Simon. I also very much enjoyed the way the story was written, using two 1st person pov (& the markers in my edition of sun & moon made for easy, seamless switching).

All the characters were intriguing, well developed and had depths from Liam to Atherton to Ricco to Bryony and I felt a connection to each. I wonder if Guy will one day have his own story to tell.

A sign of a very good story is when the world and the characters linger which this book as accomplished....more

This was one of those books I have waited patiently for at the library. I was curious to see what the story was about and how it unfurled. It ended upThis was one of those books I have waited patiently for at the library. I was curious to see what the story was about and how it unfurled. It ended up being one of those books that I couldn't leave alone, creating resentment at mundane life activities intruding. The characters, world building and set up of the Creature Court built and developed throughout the pages. One thing that I noticed was the use of the Ancient Roman world as a basis for the world (the calendar, naming of the days, use of traditions, geography and naming customs to list a few) however it was not too much of a distraction (which I had feared it may when I commenced reading). Look forward to seeing what happens next in book 2....more

**spoiler alert** I'd like to give this one 3 1/2 stars. I really enjoyed the book but am not sure if it was the fact I had taken a guess and was righ**spoiler alert** I'd like to give this one 3 1/2 stars. I really enjoyed the book but am not sure if it was the fact I had taken a guess and was right and therefore impatient to wrap up, or, if I was oscillating on working out who it was and needed to confirm it. It meant by the end I was rushing my reading.

I've worked my way through the entire series since Jan '11 - so it may also be I'm up to bk 30 in 8mths. Love the ongoing evolution of Eve & Roarke's relationship. Am also enjoying how Robb has set this up to be a slow burn in calendar time. 30 books and it's approaching a little over 2 years in their lives....more

**spoiler alert** 3 1/2 This has been on the "mean to get to" list and the movie coming out gave me constant reminders to go find a copy. Not my usual**spoiler alert** 3 1/2 This has been on the "mean to get to" list and the movie coming out gave me constant reminders to go find a copy. Not my usual type of story (find anything 20th century as too modern for my tastes), but enjoyed it more than I expected. Also the epistolary style was a great surprise and a good introductory way to read this style....more

As it says, a good basic introduction level to concepts of time in both physics and philosophy. With some easy to understand illustrations to explainAs it says, a good basic introduction level to concepts of time in both physics and philosophy. With some easy to understand illustrations to explain concepts such as lightcones....more